DEPARTING Wales boss Mark Hughes has added his weight to the argument for appointing another Welshman to succeed him.

The former Manchester United striker was unveiled as the new Blackburn manager yesterday, although he will lead Wales in their important World Cup qualifiers against England and Poland next month before quitting permanently.

Ex-Wales international John Toshack, former Wrexham boss Brian Flynn and Chester City manager Ian Rush are among the favourites to take over.

Hughes has backed up the thoughts of former Wales and, ironically, Blackburn coach Dean Saunders that the job has to go to a Welshman.

"I would agree (with Saunders) - that is important," said Hughes.

"You have to understand the mentality of the Welsh and Welsh public and their level of expectation.

"If you come in from the cold you don't have an insight into that.

"If whoever comes in is of the same nationality ..TEXT: I think that would help their position."

Hughes, meanwhile, has revealed he hopes to sign off his reign as national team boss in style.

Wales face England at Old Trafford on October 9 before the departing manager gets to say goodbye in front of a home crowd at the Millennium Stadium four days later against Poland.

"It will be difficult for me emotionally and everyone who has been involved in the Welsh squad over the last five years," he said.

"I would like to think we will be going into that game (at the Millennium Stadium) on the back of a fantastic result (against England).

"It will be a difficult time - it is a difficult game - but I hope that I will go out on a high, which will mean we will have got two good results."